Obituary of Donald P. Saunders - January 29, 2006

Green Bay Presss Gazette.

Jan 31, 2006

Donald P. Saunders, 73, longtime resident of Green Bay, died peacefully on his birthday, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. He was born Jan. 29, 1933, in Green Bay to William and Violet (Poquette) Saunders. Don graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1951. From 1952 to 1956, he served overseas in the U.S. Air Force. On July 26, 1958, he married Carol Thompson "His Angel on Earth." Don was proud of his profession as a wood patternmaker, which he did for many years. He loved everything about nature and his "Heaven on Earth" was his cottage on Green Lake. He loved hunting, fishing, growing flowers and watching the birds. The most important thing in Don's life was love of his family and he cherished the time spent with them. He was a staunch Democrat.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Julie Patterson, Green Bay, Jenny and Chad Van Ess, Howard, Janeen and John Brosteau, De Pere; his grandchildren, Rachel Patterson, Blair and Brady Van Ess, Maddie and Billy Brosteau; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Hope DeBauche, Mae and Richard Renier; one brother, Jim Saunders, all of Green Bay; many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey; two brothers, Clayton and Bert Saunders; and one sister, Ruth Berkshire.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. The funeral service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Jason Andersen officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.blaneyfuneral home.com. 

A memorial fund has been established to benefit Unity Hospice.

The Saunders family would like to express a special thank you to the entire staff of Unity Hospice and San Luis Medical & Rehabilitation Center for all of their kindness and compassion. 

Thanks, Dad, for all the wonderful memories we shared and for teaching us how to love. We will miss you.